Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Memphis Depay as Arsenal prepare to make a bid for the Netherlands World Cup star.
That is according to SPORT in Spain, who believe Barcelona are desperate to sell the Dutchman in January before they lose him for nothing at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Tutto Juve who revealed that Arsenal are planning to bid for Depay following injury to Gabriel Jesus, with Juventus also interested in the Barcelona misfit.
Such is Barcelona’s desperation to receive a transfer fee for their unwanted No.14 this winter, it has even been said they are willing to accept an offer of just £1.7m – according to SPORT.
The Spanish news outlet add that Eddie Howe is interested in the opportunity to sign Depay, having attempted to sign him back in the summer transfer window.
Interestingly, the 28-year-old would prefer to stay at Barcelona, although those in the boardroom at the Camp Nou need the money from his sale, and are effectively pushing him towards the exit door.
Nevertheless, SPORT‘s story claims that Depay could be tempted to join Newcastle, as he wants to maintain his £159,000-a-week salary, and knows the Magpies can afford to pay those wages.
The Dutchman scored one goal in three starts for the Netherlands in Qatar during the World Cup.
For Barcelona, Depay has only made three appearances in total this season, scoring one goal.
Newcastle should bid for Arsenal target Depay
In our view, this is a no brainer for Newcastle.
Just because the Magpies have a huge transfer budget nowadays, it does not mean bargains like this should be ignored – just look at Kieran Trippier, who has shone since his £12m move to Tyneside.
Depay is a forward of real quality, who boasts vast experience across a number of top divisions as well as the Champions League.
He finds himself just eight goals away from leapfrogging Robin van Persie to become the all-time top goalscorer for the Netherlands, and at the age of 28, he still has plenty of time left to make an impact at Newcastle.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Depay represents the biggest bargain available in the January window.
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